Derivation of the botanical name:
Sixalix, based on a name without definite rank.
arenaria, arena, sand; slime, mud; relating to sand.
Scabiosa, Latin scabies, "the itch," which the rough (scurfy) leaves might have been used to cure.
rhizantha, rhiz-, pertaining to roots; rhizanthus, flowering on the root or seeming to do so.

The standard author abbreviation Forssk. is used to indicate Peter Forsskål (1732 – 1763), a Swedish explorer, orientalist and naturalist.

The standard author abbreviation Greuter is used to indicate Werner Rodolfo Greuter (born 1938), aa Swiss national, and prominent botanist.

The standard author abbreviation Burdet is used to indicate Hervé Maurice Burdet (born 1939), a Swiss botanist.

The standard author abbreviation Viv. is used to indicate Domenico Viviani (1772 – 1840), a professor of botany at Genoa.